OCTOBER 1, 2026 | ISSUE 36

Voting is NOW LIVE for the Annual Chamber Awards!

It’s time to celebrate the people, businesses, and organizations that make our region such a special place to live, work, and do business.

The nominees are in — and now we want to hear from YOU! Cast your vote and help us recognize this year’s outstanding members of our community.

✨ VOTE NOW FOR THE 2026 ANNUAL CHAMBER AWARDS HERE!✨ 

Business Growth Award

This award recognizes a business or organization that has demonstrated outstanding growth and success within the community, contributing to economic vitality and local development.

• CG Bikes: CG Bikes has grown into a valued part of Belfast's business community by offering bicycle sales, repairs, accessories, and rentals. The shop serves local riders and visitors alike, helping more people explore the area by bike. Through its growing range of services and commitment to cycling, CG Bikes contributes to downtown activity, recreation, and the local economy.



• The Belfast Center: The Belfast Center has given new purpose to a historic mill by renovating office space for small businesses, artists, health practitioners, counselors, and other local professionals. Its more than 70 offices provide room for organizations to establish themselves and grow in Belfast. By bringing a diverse working community together under one roof, the Center supports local enterprise and continued investment in the city.

• Belfast Community Co-op: The Belfast Community Co-op has made a major investment in its downtown home, reopening its renovated store in 2024 with expanded space and services. The project strengthened a longstanding community business while creating more room to serve shoppers and showcase local products. Its growth supports Maine producers and helps keep downtown Belfast a place where residents and visitors shop year-round.

• Downshift Coffee: Downshift Coffee has grown from a small Belfast coffee shop into an expanded Main Street gathering place with more indoor seating and harbor views. By roasting its own coffee in Belfast and serving customers throughout the year, Downshift has built a business that draws people downtown. Its expansion reflects strong local support and adds to the energy of Belfast's business community.

• Red Kettle Foods: Red Kettle Foods has grown a Belfast-based food business around kimchi and other Asian fermented foods made with ingredients from Maine and New England producers. Its products are now available in retail stores throughout New England, carrying a locally made brand well beyond Belfast. That expanding reach, alongside its support for regional farms and food businesses, makes Red Kettle Foods a strong example of local business growth.

Rising Star Award

This award recognizes a new business that has been around for three years or less and holds the promise of being here for many years to come. The new business may be creative, innovative, unique and/or fills a need in the community.

• Revolution Rail: Revolution Rail has brought a new way to experience Belfast's outdoors with its rail bike tours. Its Belfast Station route takes riders through coastal Maine's forests and across streams and brooks, offering residents and visitors an activity they can enjoy together. This new addition to the area's recreation offerings has the potential to draw visitors and support other local businesses.

• Spring Street Eatery: Spring Street Eatery has brought a fresh dining option to Belfast's harbor. Its breakfast and lunch menu draws on European food traditions while making use of local ingredients, giving residents and visitors something distinctive to enjoy downtown. With its welcoming approach and commitment to homemade food, Spring Street Eatery shows the promise of a lasting addition to Belfast's restaurant community.

• Anodyne Bookstore: Anodyne Book Shop has brought an independent bookstore back to Searsport, offering a carefully chosen selection of books for local readers and visitors. Since opening, it has moved into a larger space and added a café, creating another place for people to gather in the community. Its growth reflects the enthusiasm for a local bookstore and the promise of Searsport's downtown.

• Pulling Corks: Pulling Corks has added a wine bar and shop to Belfast's downtown, creating a place for people to discover wines and spend time together. Opened in 2025, the business brings its owners' years of wine experience to a new venture rooted in the community. Its distinctive offering adds to Belfast's mix of local businesses and holds promise for the years to come.

Hometown Heritage Award

This award recognizes a business or organization that has been integral to the community for many years, honoring their role in preserving local culture, history, and traditions through their growth and sustainability over time.

• Belfast Historical Society: The Belfast Historical Society & Museum preserves and shares the stories that shape our city. Through its collections, exhibits, research, and walking tours, it helps residents and visitors connect with Belfast's past. Its ongoing work keeps local history accessible and ensures that the people, places, and traditions that define Belfast can be understood by future generations.

• Macleods Furniture: Macleod's Furniture has served Belfast and the surrounding coastal communities since 1963. Its High Street store has remained a familiar place for generations of customers shopping for furniture, mattresses, and appliances. By continuing to serve local households from downtown Belfast for more than six decades, Macleod's represents the staying power of a longstanding local business.

• Allen Insurance and Financial: Founded in Maine in 1866, Allen Insurance and Financial has built relationships with Midcoast families and businesses across generations. Its Belfast office has been part of the community since 2013, providing local access to insurance and financial services. The company's long history and continued investment in serving this region reflect the lasting value of trusted local relationships.



• Northport Golf Club: Founded in 1916, Northport Golf Club has been part of the area's recreational traditions for more than a century. Its course retains much of its original design and character, connecting today's golfers with generations who played before them. By continuing to welcome people to the course, the club helps preserve a distinctive part of Northport's community history.

Waldo County Business Award

This award recognizes a business located outside Belfast that have made contributions to the economic growth, community development, and cultural richness of the surrounding areas.

• Edward Brothers Supermarkets, Searsport & Unity: With stores in Searsport and Unity, Edwards Brothers Supermarkets provides an essential shopping option for Waldo County communities. The business pairs local grocery service with support for community groups, schools, and nonprofits. By investing in stores outside Belfast and serving residents close to home, Edwards Brothers contributes to the vitality of the towns it serves.

• BlueJacket Shipcrafters, Searsport: Based in Searsport, BlueJacket Shipcrafters creates model ship kits, custom models, and restorations that reflect Maine's maritime craftsmanship.The company's work carries on a tradition dating back to 1905 and connects customers with the region's seafaring history. Through its skilled work and distinctive products, BlueJacket adds to Searsport's cultural and business community.

• Outdoor Sportsman, Northport: Maine Outdoor Sportsman has served outdoor enthusiasts from its Northport location since 1992. Its expanded store offers equipment for hunting, fishing, camping, and other activities, while also providing services such as game tagging and hunting and fishing licenses. The business supports local recreation and gives residents and visitors a place to prepare for time outdoors in Waldo County.

• Patchwork Plus, Searsmont: Patchwork Plus brings a distinctive gift shop to Searsmont, offering home décor and gifts in a rural Waldo County community. By giving residents and visitors another locally owned place to shop outside Belfast, it contributes to the mix of small businesses that make the surrounding towns worth exploring.

• Bahner Farm, Belmont: Bahner Farm has been growing vegetables in Belmont since 2009. Its organic produce and seedlings reach customers through its farmstand and other local outlets, while its farm crew creates seasonal work in the community. By keeping local food production and farm shopping strong just outside Belfast, Bahner Farm contributes to Waldo County's agricultural economy.

Citizen of the Year

This award recognizes a person who has made an outstanding positive impact in Waldo County, either through a single event or on a continuous basis. Nominees can be from any occupation, including business, education, services, medical, government, a charitable organization or they can be a resident.

• Cherie Merrill – Executive Director, Belfast Soup Kitchen As Executive Director of the Belfast Soup Kitchen, Cherie Merrill has been a tireless advocate for those facing hunger and hardship in Waldo County. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its reach, providing meals, compassion, and dignity to thousands of neighbors in need. Her selfless work demonstrates the true meaning of community service, making her a natural choice for Citizen of the Year.

• Bob MacGregor, Founder of the Waldo County Woodshed- As founder of the Waldo County Woodshed, Bob MacGregor has helped neighbors stay warm through an entirely volunteer-run wood bank. He has brought people together around a practical need, turning donated time and firewood into help for households facing difficult winters. His commitment to looking after neighbors has made a lasting difference across Waldo County.

• Belfast Police Chief Robert “Bobby” Cormier- As Belfast’s police chief, Bobby Cormier has worked to build connections between the department and the people it serves. His support for the Police Explorer program has created opportunities for local young people to learn leadership skills and take part in community events. His emphasis on engaging with residents, especially youth, reflects a commitment to the community beyond day-to-day policing.

• Chrissy Fowler, Belfast Flying Shoes- Chrissy Fowler has spent years bringing people together through music and dance. As co-founder and executive director of Belfast Flying Shoes, she helps create welcoming events where people of different ages and backgrounds can take part, connect, and feel they belong. Her dedication has helped make traditional dance a living part of the community.

• Kathy Muzzy, Chair of the Midcoast Maine Homeless Coalition- Kathy Muzzy has brought her experience as a social worker and her commitment to community service to the Midcoast Maine Homeless Coalition. As board chair, she has helped guide work to provide transitional housing for families in Belfast and support young people at risk of homelessness. Her leadership addresses a pressing need with care for the people affected.

Stay tuned as we get ready to celebrate the winners at our Annual Chamber Awards Gala on November 13th!

✨ PURCHASE YOUR GALA TICKETS HERE!✨ 

Mushroom Excursion with Coastal Mountains Land Trust

Hope – Join the Maine Mycological Society on Saturday, October 3, from 10am-12pm, for a walk that explores the expansive world of fungi. This educational excursion will be on Coastal Mountains Land Trust’s Ragged Mountain trail, starting and ending at the Thorndike Brook trailhead in Hope.

Learn how to identify mushrooms found along the path and soak up the inspiration and knowledge of mushroom enthusiasts. The interwoven world of fungi is enthralling. This walk will satisfy everyone from beginners to those who have already taken a dive into mycology. All are welcome!

Bring warm layers, tick and insect protection, water and sturdy footwear, but please leave your pets at home.

Location: 223 Hope Street, Hope.

Directions: From Camden, take Rt. 1 south, then take Rt. 90 west. After 2.5 miles, turn right onto Rt. 17. Continue 2.7 miles then turn right onto Hope St. There are two trailheads on this road. Park at the trailhead marked with a Coastal Mountains Land Trust sign.

Register for this nature program by visiting Coastal Mountains Land Trusts’ event page at www.coastalmountains.org/events

Photo credit: Tony Oppersdorff

Marshall Wharf Brewing Company will be hosting their annual festival B⁴ (Belfast Bay Beer Bash) on Saturday, October 3, from 4 – 10 pm, featuring:

·      

•    30+ Craft Beers - including limited release of cask and barrel-conditioned specialty beers 
•  Live Music: Emmett Lalor & Friends @ 4 pm / Rigometrics @ 7 pm
• Food Trucks: Joshua & Dakota’s Cantina & Ca C’est Bon Truck

Tickets:$20 cover

·         $40 Includes commemorative glass + 10 beer tickets

You can reserve your tickets early at www.marshallwharfbrewing.com 

and receive 10% off!

Waterfall Arts invites the public to explore the creative heart of Rockland during the Lincoln Street Center Fall Open Studios, taking place Saturday, October 17, from 1 to 5 p.m. at 24 Lincoln Street in Rockland.

During the free, public event, artists will open their studios and welcome visitors into their creative spaces. Guests will have the opportunity to explore Rockland’s historic high school, now home to more than 40 artist studios and one of the nation’s oldest theaters.

Visitors can get a behind-the-scenes look at working artists’ studios, learn about a variety of artistic mediums, meet artists, and view original artwork.

Participating artists will include:

• Susan Beebe — paintings
• Gianna Bird — watercolor
• Gary Briechle — photography and painting
• Stan Farrell — musician and inventor
• Katherine Ferrier — quilting and fiber
• Kathleen Florance — paintings
• Laura Waller — oil paintings

“We are so excited to open the doors to this historic building and let the public breathe in some of this magic air,” said Waterfall Arts. “As we get to know each artist, we are increasingly inspired by their stories, talent, and tenacity — a true blessing to the Rockland and Waterfall communities.”

The Fall Open Studios is free and open to all.

A New Chapter for Lincoln Street Center

The Open Studios event marks an exciting new chapter for the Lincoln Street Center and the broader arts community. Waterfall Arts acquired the Lincoln Street Center on June 30, following a year-long effort by a coalition of organizations and community members to raise the funds needed to secure the building’s future.

The acquisition was made possible through significant community support, including major contributions from The Ellis Beauregard Foundation, The Lesher Family Foundation, and two anonymous donors.

Waterfall Arts is proud to have secured the future of one of Maine’s largest community arts facilities, preserving more than 40 working artist studios and ensuring that the historic Lincoln Street Center can continue to serve artists and the community for years to come.

Event Details

Lincoln Street Center Fall Open Studios

Saturday, October 17 | 1–5 p.m.

24 Lincoln Street, Rockland, Maine

Free and open to the public

Parking is available behind the building. An accessible entrance is located at the side entrance on the south side of the building at the basement level.

2026 Conservation, Community, and Voludnteer Land Trust Award Recipients

Camden - Each year, Coastal Mountains Land Trust recognizes leading volunteers, community groups, and exemplary land donors through several awards. Thanks to these key partners and many others who help to support the Land Trust’s mission to permanently conserve land and connect people with nature. 

Charles & Mary P. Chatfield Award

This award honors individuals, families, or organizations who exemplify the highest level of commitment to the community with their gifts of conservation lands. 

Jay & Charlotte Foster, for their extraordinary generosity in donating 121 acres of land, which contains significant wetlands, wading bird habitat, and 7,700 feet of shoreline on Coleman Pond in Lincolnville.

Connecting Community & Nature Award

This award honors the individuals or entity that has demonstrated the highest level of commitment to engaging the people of our community with the outdoors and the lands protected by the Land Trust.

Belfast Area Children’s Center, for their creativity and commitment to creating an outdoor classroom to benefit the children, teachers, and community.

William J. Zwartjes Volunteer Award

Presented in honor of our first Board Chairman, William J. Zwartjes, for individual volunteers who have demonstrated extraordinary service to the Land Trust.

Jan Cunningham, for her many enthusiastic years of dedicated volunteering

on top of Beech Hill, where she warmly regales visitors to the hut with stories and historical tales of Land Trust derring-do.

Dorothy Havey, Executive Director

Director@belfastmaine.org

Kim Grindle, Member Relations Coordinator

ChamberOffice@belfastmaine.org

Board of Directors

President: Michelle Curtis, First National Bank

Vice President: Ryan Harnden, Mathews Brothers

Treasurer: Terri Tower, Camden National Bank

Secretary: Megan McAvoy, MaineHealth Waldo Hospital

Haley B. Hall, Esq., Camden Law

John McKeith, The Belfast Center

Mary Tripp, Bank of America

Tracy Cini, Spouter Inn

Staff Photography by Dave Waddell, Down East Magazine